Torrevieja Takes a Stand: Bold Move to Tackle Cronyism and Boost Local Business!

The Torrevieja Socialist Municipal Group is making waves with a bold motion aimed at transforming the way minor contracts are awarded in the city. If approved, this initiative will open the door for any interested party to compete for contracts related to works and services, shaking up the status quo and tackling cronyism head-on. Not only does this promise to boost local businesses, but it also aims to save taxpayers money in the process.

Presented at the council's plenary session, the motion seeks to shine a spotlight on the process of awarding minor contracts, ensuring transparency and inviting fair competition. By doing so, it hopes to drive down costs and encourage a diverse range of service providers to step up and offer their expertise.

Currently, minor contracts encompass projects with an estimated value of less than €40,000 for works and under €15,000 for supplies or services. However, the Socialist Group points to a troubling trend within the Torrevieja Council: a frequent misuse of these contracts. A 2023 report from the Council's Legal Department warns that minor contracts are being routinely awarded, raising concerns about potential "unwanted legal consequences.”

Evidence suggests that some of these contracts may border on fraud. The council has been known to invite companies with shared management or those far removed from the local area, often benefiting individuals linked to the ruling PP members. Alarmingly, there have even been instances where companies were hired for tasks that should fall under the council's own staff duties. A striking example is the €18,000 paid for an appraisal of the Los Romeros property, when the average market price is just around €2,000. This kind of inflated pricing through minor contracts raises serious questions, especially when market rates are significantly lower.

With this motion, the Torrevieja Socialist Municipal Group aims to usher in a new era of accountability and fairness in local contracting, paving the way for a brighter future for businesses and residents alike.